AEMS-2026-54 Environmental Services Trainee

State of New Jersey; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Holiday pay

Alternative workweek program

Telework

Pension

Deferred compensation

Health benefits

Flexible spending accounts

Commuter savings

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection seeks a Program Specialist 3 in the Division of Sustainable Waste Management, Bureau of Solid Waste Planning and Licensing, based in Trenton. Under supervision, you will assist in implementing legislation, review recycling technologies, and provide scientific support on sustainability topics.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a physical/environmental science or engineering field, strong written and oral communication skills, and solid

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences or Environmental Sciences/Studies or in Engineering (various fields) .
• U.S. degrees/transcripts must be from an accredited institution; foreign degrees must be evaluated for accreditation by closing date.
• Driver's license required only if operation of a vehicle is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Learn to conduct routine surveys, studies, inspections, and investigations related to environmental conditions and enforcement of laws/regulations.
• Assist in implementing new/existing legislation and regulations; provide scientific support for reviewing recycling technologies under NJ rules.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Research skills

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Sciences or Environmental Sciences/Studies or Engineering

Job description

Open to: General Public

Work Week: NE (35-hour) Work Week

Salary: (P95) $55,690.52 (non-negotiable)

Opening Date: 11/10/2026

Closing Date: 12/1/2026

Existing Vacancies: 1

Program/Location

Department of Environmental Protection

Air, Energy and Materials Sustainability

Division of Sustainable Waste Management

Bureau of Solid Waste Planning and Licensing

401 East State Street

Trenton, NJ 08625

Scope of Eligibility

Open to applicants who meet the requirements below.

Description

Under the close supervision of a supervisory official, in an Environmental Services Program, learns to conduct routine surveys, studies, inspections, and/or investigations relating to the improvement and/or monitoring of environmental conditions, and/or the enforcement of environmental laws/regulations; does other related duties.

Specific to the Position

This position will be under an existing Program Specialist 3 and will assist in the implementation of new and existing legislation and regulations and provide scientific support when reviewing various chemical recycling technologies to determine if they are considered recycling under NJ rules and regulations. This position will also support the research and analysis of upcoming hot topics in sustainability.

Preferred Skill Set

The candidate must possess strong oral and written communication skills. The candidate must possess research and analytical skills as well as the ability to multitask.

Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Chemical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or in Environmental Planning, Environmental Policy, or Physical Geography; or in Civil Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mining Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Bio-resource Engineering.

NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Employee Benefits

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program*
• Telework*
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Commuter Tax Savings Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement*

*Pursuant to the State/Department's policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

SAME Applicants

If you are applying under the NJ SAME program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter) must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME program, please visit SAME Program , email [e-mail] , or call CSC at [phone] and select Option #3.

Veteran's Preference

To qualify for New Jersey Veteran's Preference/status, you must establish Veteran's Preference through the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Please submit proof of your Veteran's Preference along with your resume as indicated. For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/civil-service-preference/

Residency

All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.

Authorization to Work

Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations. NOTE: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of New Jersey seeks to increase the richness and diversity of its workforce, and in doing so, become the employer of choice for all people seeking to work in State Government. To evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts to attract and employ a diverse workforce, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few brief questions on the NJ Aff All information is considered confidential and will be filed separately with the agency's affirmative action officer. This information will not be part of your application for employment and will not be considered in any hiring decision.

In accordance with the Uniform Ethics Code , the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires the disclosure of all relatives, consensual personal relationships, and cohabitants.